Takedown Report

NCAA Division II Programs’ News – 2021 – # 1

TDR Editor’s Notes ; A view of the records and status of one of the longest tenured programs in Division II starts off this list at #1 and one of the newest at D. & E. (when living in ELkins we hosted youth tournaments and a summer camp with Charlie Heard) at #6. Other articles look at pre-season polls, plans for the National Championships in March in Birmingham, Alabama. and other news from the growing number of Division II schools. We welcome input by e-mail at the Editor’s office at martinkfleming@gmail.com
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1 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: San Francisco State
One of the longest tenured programs in NCAA Division II wrestling, the San Francisco State Gators have been wrestling since 1939. In 47 seasons in NCAA Division II, the Gators have had 12 National Champions, 80 All-Americans, and 173 total National Qualifiers. Jason Welch has been at the head of the Gator program for the last three seasons. Justin Pichedwatana was the lone Gator to qualify for the 2020 NCAA Division II National Championships, via a Super Region 6 Championship at 184. The Gator redshirt junior became an All-American for the second time with his NWCA honor as the sixth-seed prior to Nationals. He finished seventh at 184 in 2019. … rest of story at _{^{https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-san-francisco-state/79521?mc_cid=224601c412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

2 } – Wrestling Schedules Simulation Matches for December 19th
Aberdeen, S.D. – In preparation for the 2021 campaign, the Northern State University wrestling team will face off on Saturday December 19 at 3 p.m. from Wachs Arena. The simulation matches will give fans a first look at the 2021 squad prior to the shortened season which begins on January 7. Admittance to the match is free and open to the public. Fans are reminded to follow all current COVID-19 protocols. The South Dakota Board of Regents adopted a Face Covering Protocol mandating the use of masks at Northern State University and the other five public universities. The current mask protocol, which applies to all students, staff, faculty and campus visitors, requires individuals to wear masks in all public indoor spaces on campus. … rest of story at _{^{https://nsuwolves.com/news/2020/12/8/wrestling-schedules-simulation-matches-for-december-19th.aspx?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

3 } – Mines Selected First In RMAC Preseason Wrestling Poll
COLORADO SPRINGS – Defending champion Colorado School of Mines has been chosen atop the RMAC preseason wrestling coaches’ poll. The Orediggers (9-2, 7-0 RMAC in 2019-20) are coming off an undefeated conference slate last year to earn their second consecutive RMAC title. Mines received 39 points and four first-place votes in the poll ahead of Adams State, Colorado Mesa, and Western Colorado. Mines returns starters at seven weight classes this year, including three 2020 NCAA qualifiers – 184-pounder Anderson Salisbury, 197-pounder Nolan Funk, and 285-pounder Weston Hunt – along with 2019 NCAA qualifiers Skyler Lykins at 165 and Noah Ottum at 149. In addition, Mines has veterans with dual starting experience … rest of story at _{^{https://minesathletics.com/news/2020/12/8/mines-selected-first-in-rmac-preseason-wrestling-poll.aspx?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

4 } – Division II reduces bracket, field sizes for 2021 winter and spring championships
Changes come as DII’s budget faces challenges with COVID-19 testing, limited fan attendance
The Division II Administrative Committee on Monday approved a recommendation to reduce bracket and field sizes for the 2021 Division II winter and spring championships. The reductions were made to alleviate expected budget shortfalls, specifically as the Division II  budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year faces challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The field and bracket size reductions of the 18 Division II 2021 winter and spring championships vary by sport, with 12 of them being reduced by 25%. The reductions, listed below, were initially recommended by each sport committee. The Division II Championships Committee and the Division II Planning and Finance Committee each approved the recommendations. The reductions that are more or less than 25% were made because of logistical or practical concerns with operating that sport’s championship. … rest of story at _{^{https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/division-ii-reduces-bracket-field-sizes-2021-winter-and-spring-championships?mc_cid=6c7e360412&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

5 } – Mourning the loss of 4-Time All-American Wrestler John Revesz
FULL TRIBUNE-DEMOCRAT OBITUARY
Pitt-Johnstown mourns the loss of four-time All-American wrestler John Revesz, who passed away on Friday due to complications of the COVID-19 virus.  Mr. Revesz was 59. Mr. Revesz was a standout for the Mountain Cats from 1979 through 1983 and became the program’s first four-time All-American.
The Revesz brothers, John, Dan, a 2016 inductee into the Pitt-Johnstown Athletics Hall of Fame and two-time All-American, Jim (3-time National Qualifier), Joe (Letterman), and Mike (Letterman) were key building blocks of the Mountain Cat wrestling tradition.
Mr. Revesz, who was one of Pitt-Johnstown’s first wrestlers to reach 100 career victories, finished his stellar career with a 119-31-2 overall record.
… rest of story at _{^{https://pittjohnstownathletics.com/news/2020/12/13/wrestling-mourning-the-loss-of-4-time-all-american-wrestler-john-revesz.aspx?mc_cid=1d3b41c6e1&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

6 } – Getting II Know a DII Program: Davis & Elkins
The Davis & Elkins Senators have just one year of competition in NCAA Division II as a program, with four qualifying for the 2020 NCAA Division II National Championships for the Senators. Jerry Boland leads the Davis & Elkins program, into its second year of competition in 2020-21. “We are a second year program looking to build off of the positive inaugural year we had last season,” Boland said of his Senator team. “These student-athletes are committed to building a winning tradition and a program of high character.” 
The Senators sent four to the NCAA Division II National Championships last season, with Craig Cook (133), Clifton Ruggiero (157), Noah Tarr (165) and Kyle Wojtaszek (184) all making history as the first National Qualifiers in Davis & Elkins history. All four of the Senators earned their trips to the NCAA meet via third place finishes at their respective weight classes at the NCAA Super Region 2 Tournament. … rest of story at _{^{https://news.theopenmat.com/college-wrestling-news/getting-ii-know-a-dii-program-davis-elkins/79662?mc_cid=e96ed12e50&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

7 } – Lindenwood, McKendree primed for big seasons in NCAA Division II wrestling
Lindenwood University wrestling coach Jimmy Rollins isn’t sure what to expect when his squad opens the season on January 10. Then again, because of the coronavirus pandemic, no other teams do either. “At this point, all we can do is focus on being safe — wearing masks, keeping our distance, washing our hands — and trying to enjoy what we’re doing,” Rollins said. “We have a lot of work in front of us and I hope we get that opportunity. “I think our guys have come to realize a true appreciation for getting the chance to practice and to compete in the sport they love.”
Thanks to an NCAA ruling, this will be a free season regarding athletes’ eligibility. The Lions will be tested once a week and will face multiple opponents in most competitions. In an effort to limit virus exposure during workouts, Lindenwood is training in multiple pods. “It’s more work for the coaches, but that’s what you have to do to make sure everyone’s safe,” said Rollins, whose team’s schedule is highlighted by a Jan. 30 trip to Iowa to square off against Division I program Iowa State. … rest of story at _{^{https://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/lindenwood-mckendree-primed-for-big-seasons-in-ncaa-division-ii-wrestling/article_91fde950-31f3-5c8d-8d97-c84e7420ac0c.html?mc_cid=1dba1d3746&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

8 } – NWCA Preseason Division II Poll Release
Manheim, PA – Behind four top-ranked wrestlers and another three ranked individuals, the St. Cloud State Huskies sit atop the preseason edition of the NCAA Division II Coaches Rankings, released Friday by the NWCA.
INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS
Head Coach Steve Costanzo’s Huskies, who ended the 2019-20 season ranked atop the team poll, amassed 108 points, with the #1 wrestlers at 133, 157, 165 and 285 all from St. Cloud State. Nebraska-Kearney is second in the poll, with 90 points behind eight ranked individuals. Central Oklahoma (80), Lindenwood (65) and McKendree (55) round out the top five in the team ranking.
Central Oklahoma features the most ranked wrestlers, with nine Bronchos spread throughout the individual rankings. Heath Gray, the 2020 Division II Wrestler of the Year, opens  the season atop the 184 rankings to highlight the UCO group. Heavyweight is the lone weight class that does not feature a Broncho, while Central Oklahoma has a wrestler in the top five at four weights. Nebraska-Kearney’s eight ranked Lopers is second-most, with St. Cloud State and Gannon both landing seven wrestlers in the individual rankings. Of the 10 top-ranked individuals, nine come from teams ranked in the top five. … rest of story at _{^{http://www.nwcaonline.com/nwca-preseason-division-ii-poll-release/?mc_cid=ed5fd11129&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

9} – Men’s Wrestling Picked No.1 in GLVC Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Jan. 6) – The McKendree University men’s wrestling program was picked to win the 2021 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Championship, released in the Conference’s preseason poll. The annual poll was voted on by the league coaches and ranks all seven teams.
*portions of this release were taken from the GLVC official release.
The Bearcats received 34 points and four first-place points atop the 2021 preseason poll. GLVC rival Lindenwood sits right behind with 33 points and three first-place votes. The University of Indianapolis (24 pts.), Maryville (23 pts.), and Drury (15pts.) round out the top-5. … rest of story at _{^{https://mckbearcats.com/news/2021/1/6/mens-wrestling-picked-no-1-in-glvc-preseason-coaches-poll.aspx?mc_cid=4295bf0eb8&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

10 } – Mavericks Open Season with 31-12 Win at Minot State
Minot, N.D. — #13 Minnesota State opened the 2020-21 season with a dominating 31-12 road victory at Minot State Thursday. The Mavericks won seven of ten matches in securing the road Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference victory.
Senior Trenton McManus got the ball rolling with a 2-1 win over Oscar Nellis to get the Mavericks out to a 3-0 lead.  Junior Brock Luthens downed Kelby Armstrong 6-4 at 133 and junior Kolbe O’Brien pinned Lincoln Stormer at 141.  Senior All-American Kyle Rathman upped his career record to 78-19 when he pinned Shadi Mitwalli at 149.  Junior Cooper Siebrecht dropped an 3-1 overtime decision to Nathan Baca in his match at 157.  Sophomore Mike Smith pinned Austin Frantzich and junior Trevor Turriff beat Noah Gallardo 12-1.  Following a Keegan Berry (Minot State) win over junior Dylan Butts at 184, senior Matt  Blome picked up a 7-0 decision over … rest of story at _{^{https://msumavericks.com/news/2021/1/7/wrestling-game-recap-mavericks-open-season-with-31-12-win-at-minot-state.aspx?mc_cid=4a4f0e7778&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

11 } – St. Cloud State pauses wrestling activities
ST. CLOUD, MINN. – The St. Cloud State University athletics department has paused all wrestling team activities for the week of January 11, 2021 in alignment with the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) COVID-19 protocols. As a result, Thursday’s home opening match against Minot State University has been cancelled. Per NSIC guidelines for the 2020-21 season, the match will not be rescheduled, and student-athletes and coaches will follow quarantine and isolation protocols as outlined by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and St. Cloud State University. The Huskies will return to the mat on Thursday, January 21 … rest of story at _{^{https://scsuhuskies.com/news/2021/1/11/st-cloud-state-pauses-wrestling-activites.aspx?mc_cid=01186bea70&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

12 } – Hilltopper Mat Squad Locked in at No. 4
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University wrestling team strengthened its hold on the No. 4 spot in the first set of regular season national rankings released Wednesday afternoon by TheOpenMat.com website.
Coach Danny Irwin‘s Hilltoppers had been ranked No. 4 in the preseason and with some of the Black and Gold’s six nationally-ranked wrestlers moving up a few spots, WLU was able to add a few more points to its team total this time around. Remaining head and shoulders above the pack was two-time defending national champion St. Cloud State (Minn.) with 105 ranking points. Lindenwood (Mo.) was second at 69.5 with Nebraska-Kearney (57) edging out West Liberty (50.5) for the No. 3 spot. Central Oklahoma (44.5) rounded out the top five. Perennial NCAA Division II power Notre Dame (Ohio) moved up a spot to No. 13 with … rest of the story at _{^{https://hilltoppersports.com/news/2020/12/16/wrestling-hilltopper-mat-squad-locked-in-at-no-4.aspx?mc_cid=4edc48d477&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b}}

January 19, 2021 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized